Chapter 475 Zhang Zhao's little abacus is really boring!
Fancheng.
In a sense.
Fancheng belongs to Nanyang County, while Xiangyang belongs to Nanjun. They are different administrative regions.
However, because the two cities faced each other across the Han Dynasty, Fancheng was, in a sense, the front line of Xiangyang's defense.
If you want to capture Xiangyang, you must first capture Fancheng, then cross the river and enter Xiangyang City.
Under Cai Mao's dispatch and command, the entire Fancheng immediately entered a state of combat readiness. All the people went home and were not allowed to go out without orders. The streets were full of soldiers patrolling and carrying equipment to defend the city.
Especially on the Han River, the warships traveling north and south were like shuttles on a loom, constantly transporting soldiers and corresponding supplies.
Cai Mao has never regarded Xiangyang as the main battlefield. After all, this is where they live. He will never allow the war to spread here, otherwise the Cai family will suffer huge losses.
At this moment, at the top of Fancheng city, Cai Maopi stood tall and strong in the wind. Looking at the dense forest outside the city, he couldn't help but frowned: "Why hasn't Zihe come back yet? Judging from the time, it shouldn't be."
"Master, don't be impatient."
Next to him, Zhang Yun quickly comforted him: "Liu Biao is guarded by the Huben Army of the Nanyang Imperial Court. I heard that each of them is a warrior who has experienced hundreds of battles. Perhaps General Cai encountered some trouble, which delayed his time."
"but......"
At this point, Zhang Yun changed the subject and said: "Don't worry too much. After all, General Cai is leading hundreds of elite cavalry to chase down a team of fifty elites. It shouldn't be too difficult."
Cai Mao thought about it carefully, then he relaxed his brows, took a long breath, and said softly: "That's true. Nanyang Hanting's soldiers and horses are indeed capable and well-equipped. Zihe defeated them and wanted to bring back the armor.
, it’s indeed a waste of time.”
Zhang Yundan smiled: "That's right, that's it. Just wait and see with peace of mind. General Cai may be back soon. By then we will also be able to wear aluminum alloy armor and be invulnerable, so there is nothing to fear."
Cai Mao glanced at Zhang Yun, snorted softly, and said jokingly: "You kid, you have a beautiful idea, but you only have fifty sets of armors. Is it enough for tens of thousands of us?"
Zhang Yun chuckled: "Equip as much as you can. Once we repel the enemy's attack, we will receive a lot of corpses, so there will be more and more armors."
Cai Mao shook his head and said softly: "You are overthinking it. Even in Nanyang, aluminum alloy armor is not equipped for all personnel. It should only be equipped by the most elite infantry for the time being."
"The vast majority of the soldiers and horses under Sun Jian's tent have been transformed into naval forces. They have to go to the river frequently, so it should be impossible for them to equip aluminum alloy armor. If they do, it will most likely be Zhou Yu's Yuanyang Army."
Zhang Yun nodded and said very solemnly: "Well, that makes sense."
Cai Mao breathed out and continued: "Oh, by the way, are the stones and rolling logs ready?"
Zhang Yun patted his chest and said confidently: "Don't worry, Commander-in-Chief, you specifically ordered me. How can I not prepare the generals? They have all been transported to Fancheng, enough for Sun Jian's ferocious tiger to drink a pot."
Because the equipment of Nanyang Hanting soldiers is very good, even the most ordinary leather armor has amazing defensive capabilities due to the special treatment of the leather.
Therefore, it was difficult for ordinary bows and arrows to cause too much damage to the soldiers, so Cai Mao ordered his people to prepare a large number of blunt weapons in advance, such as rocks, rolling logs, large hammers, etc., to prepare for the attack of Nanyang Hanting.
"kindness."
Cai Mao nodded with satisfaction: "That's very good."
Zhang Yun nodded: "Just relax, Commander-in-Chief. We have been preparing for this day for several years. The gates of Fancheng are as solid as iron, and the entire city is impregnable. Sun Jian will definitely not be able to get in."
The corners of Cai Mao's lips raised slightly, and he broke into a faint smile: "I really want to see what Sun Jian's expression will be like when the thunder and lightning cannot open the city gate."
Zhang Yun frowned, as if he was imagining that scene, then nodded slowly, and said with great interest: "It should be very scary. If the city gate cannot be blown open, his troops and horses alone are no match for our army."
Most of Sun Jian's men are naval troops. How can he rely on naval troops to attack such a fortified city?
Cai Mao and Zhang Yun naturally have absolute confidence that they can defeat Sun Jian!
Just as the two of them were imagining the scene of victory.
suddenly.
A quick report sounded from behind:
"Report—!"
Cai Mao turned around and looked.
From the direction of the inner city, a fast horse galloped.
He walked forward, frowned and asked, "What's the matter?"
The other party hurried to the city, not even bothering to salute, and said directly: "Mao Jie is no longer here. I heard from people in the governor's office that he was taken away by Han Song, and he may have left Xiangyang City long ago."
"What?"
Cai Mao was stunned for a moment.
He frowned, unable to believe that Mao Jie would be taken away by Han Song.
In fact, it's normal if you think about it carefully. Han Song was from Nanyang, and Liu Biao had already fully demonstrated his admiration for Nanyang when he was still a shepherd in Jingzhou.
Now that he finally had the opportunity to return to Nanyang Hanting, Han Song was naturally very happy. It was normal that Han Song would find a way to take Mao Jie away when they made such a big noise.
"Mao Jie was actually taken away?"
Even Zhang Yun on the side could not help but be stunned.
"kindness."
The other party nodded and said with absolute certainty: "It has been taken away."
Cai Mao quickly calmed down and asked tentatively: "Does Yidu know about this?"
The other party nodded again: "Yes, I know."
"oh?"
Cai Mao asked: "What did he say?"
"He left as soon as he said he was leaving. As long as Liu Biao is here, it doesn't matter whether he wants a hair or not."
"Well, that's true. In that case, let him go."
Although Mao Jie is the governor of Jingzhou, the actual significance of using him to threaten Nanyang must not be as great as imagined. Who is the Emperor of Nanyang? He is the master who dominates the world. How can he be threatened by an official?
But Liu Biao was different.
Liu Biao was a clan member of the Han Dynasty, and he also sought refuge with the emperor.
If something goes wrong with Liu Biao, it will directly affect Liu Yan and Liu Yao in Yizhou and Yangzhou. His Majesty the Emperor of Nanyang will definitely pay more attention to Liu Biao than Mao Jie. This is inevitable.
Zhang Yun frowned, looked outside the city, and said tentatively: "Grand Governor, do you want to send someone out to investigate? If an accident occurs, we will help. If not, we can help them quickly return to work."
Cai Mao thought for a moment and nodded slowly: "Okay, let Deng Long go."
Zhang Yun leaned forward and held up his hands: "Here."
Immediately.
He bowed and left, ready to give an order.
Not long after, the city gate was opened and a group of cavalry roared out and headed straight to the north.
However, after a while, the cavalry who had just gone out came straight back. Cai Mao stood at the top of the city and shouted at the top of his voice: "What's going on? Didn't I ask you to go and pick up my brother? Where are the people?"
Below, Deng Long shouted at the top of his lungs: "Grand Governor, not long after we left the city, we discovered Sun Jian's cavalry. There were at least two thousand people on the other side. Maybe General Cai has been killed."
"ah?"
Cai Mao was stunned for a moment, and his anger rushed to Tianling Geli: "What did you say? Could it be that Cai Zhong has... died tragically at the hands of Sun Jian?"
At that moment, Cai Mao's body went limp and he felt that his head was as heavy as a mountain. If Zhang Yun hadn't had quick eyesight and quick hands to help him up, he would have almost fallen on the city wall.
"Grand Governor!"
Zhang Yun supported Cai Mao and asked with concern: "Are you okay? Your health is important, remember to take care of yourself."
Cai Mao then stabilized his body and managed to hold himself up: "I'm fine. Open the city gate quickly and let Deng Long in."
Zhang Yun responded to the promise and waved his hand to signal the guards beside him to open the city gate and let Deng Long in. He continued to comfort him:
"Grand Governor, you must not let anything happen to you. If you fall, our Jingxiang army of tens of thousands will lose its backbone. Wouldn't this give Sun Jian a big advantage?"
"Don't worry."
Cai Mao took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, trying to keep himself calm: "I will never fall before the war is over. If Cai Zhong is sacrificed, then I will avenge him."
"That's right."
Zhang Yun nodded affirmatively: "We must avenge him!"
Cai Mao breathed out, let go of Zhang Yun's hand, and ordered: "Send people back to Xiangyang quickly and tell Yidu that Liu Biao failed to capture him and let him think of other ways."
Zhang Yunfei nodded quickly: "Okay, I will make arrangements now. Please take care of yourself."
Cai Mao's eyes flashed fiercely: "Don't worry, I'm fine."
*****
Xuzhou, Pengcheng.
In the post house.
Zhang Zhao held the flying pigeon to pass the letter, pinched a strand of goatee under his chin, and a faint smile appeared on his face: "Mao Jie's movements were too fast, which actually led to the end of the road for the Jingxiang nobles."
"yes."
Opposite him, Tao Qian, the governor of Xuzhou, nodded and said softly: "The imperial court abolished the state pastoral system and transferred Liu Biao back to the imperial court as a servant, but put a bad-tempered Mao Jie in Jingxiang."
"The Jingxiang gentry can naturally guess the emperor's intentions. If this happens, there is a high probability that they will rebel. Perhaps your majesty has been waiting for such an outcome."
Zhang Zhao affirmed: "What Shijun Tao said makes sense. His Majesty originally had the intention to march into Jingxiang. However, the situation developed relatively quickly, making Liu Biao realize that he was outmatched, so he accepted the imperial edict."
"But......"
At this point, Zhang Zhao changed the subject and said: "Nowadays, land reform is being carried out all over the country, and the imperial court's land equity trading buildings are also being launched in the administrative offices of various states and counties."
"This kind of thing will naturally happen to Jing Yang. The imperial court will definitely take action against it. It will be a two-pronged approach, both soft and hard. His Majesty has always been like this. No matter which way succeeds, the outcome is under control."
Tao Qian naturally knew what His Majesty the Emperor was capable of: "Yes, the land reform will definitely begin. Once it has a blood-draining effect on the local gentry, it will be impossible to stop. Under such circumstances, we can only accept the public ownership of private lands."
"To be honest, this kind of decree was indeed difficult to implement at first. However, after the establishment of the land equity trading building and the increase in the price of land equity certificates, the family gradually accepted this reality and enjoyed it."
"Let's not talk about it. The Chen family in Xiapi has complained about this before. However, with the establishment of the equity trading building, their land has not only not decreased, but has increased, and their net worth has more than doubled."
"Now."
Tao Qian said with a smile: "The Chen family's business is not only limited to cultivated land, but also involved in the golden monkeys. I heard that the Chen family currently has three golden monkeys. They bought them when they were thirteen gold, and now they are ten. Eight gold medals."
"I heard that the imperial court is going to rebuild Luoyang City and build more than 20 gardens in total. The price of golden monkeys has gone up even more. This business is really amazing."
Zhang Zhao frowned and pinched a strand of goatee under his chin: "Speaking of the Golden Monkey, I really don't believe it. Your Majesty actually likes it so much that it has attracted people to imitate it. The price of the Golden Monkey has gone up. .”
"well-!"
Zhang Zhao shook his head and said with disbelief: "Even the Commercial Secretary Liu Ba was demoted to Yizhou. I really don't understand what your Majesty is going to do."
Tao Qian was even more confused and waved his hand: "The Sacred Heart is unpredictable, maybe that's the case, but I believe that Your Majesty is by no means an easy person. Let's just wait for the result."
"Oh right."
Tao Qian suddenly remembered something and asked tentatively: "Can you stay here for two more days? After the court replies to my letter of resignation, we can rush to Yangzhou together."
Zhang Zhao didn't even think about it and nodded immediately: "Okay, okay."
Tao Qian hesitated: "You...are not on your way?"
Zhang Zhaodan smiled and nodded: "Since there is a fight in Jingzhou, I'd better go there a little later. The harder Sun Jian, the fierce tiger, fights, the more beneficial it will be for what I want to do next."
"Now that I am rushing to Yangzhou, I am afraid that I will be put on the wrong foot, and even suffer the contempt of others. I will spend a lot of energy, but it will be difficult to effectively promote things."
"But......"
Changing the topic, Zhang Zhao said proudly: "If Sun Jian makes substantial progress, it will definitely have a deterrent effect on the Yangzhou nobles. If I push things forward then, I will get twice the result with half the effort, so I am not anxious at all."
Tao Qian smiled: "You kid, you are really a ghost."
Zhang Zhaoyi bowed his head and said, "Besides, I still have something to ask of you, Tao Shijun."
"oh?"
Tao Qian frowned: "You actually have something to ask me for?"
Zhang Zhao nodded: "Yes, Commander Tao, you must help me."
Tao Qian smiled faintly and asked tentatively: "You tell me what it is first, otherwise I'm not sure whether I can help you."
"good."
Zhang Zhao responded without hesitation and said directly: "Tao Shijun, you are from Danyang, and Danyang is the center of Shanyue's activities. I think you should know that one of the commanders of Shanyue, Zulang, is right?"
Zulang is the most famous commander in Danyang Shanyue, and his influence is also very great. If you want to stabilize Yangzhou, it is impossible not to face the power of Shanyue.
This is also the reason why Zhang Zhao came to Pengcheng.
He did not come back to his hometown to visit relatives, but came specifically to visit Tao Qian. He just happened to get this flying pigeon letter.
Tao Qian seemed to understand what Zhang Zhao meant: "I do know Zulang, and I also know his father. However, if Zibu wants me to help you deal with him, I can't do it. After all, he is the son of an old friend."
"No."
Zhang Zhao naturally knew that Tao Qian had misunderstood, and quickly explained: "I am not trying to conquer them, I just want them to put down their weapons and become common people, and the court will let them live a good life."
"I, Zhang Zhao, are passing through Yangzhou this time, and I have in my hand an edict from His Majesty the Emperor to reclaim wasteland. As long as they can become common people and stop causing trouble, I guarantee that they will have enough food and clothing within two years.
"
The world is in chaos, and only the Sangoe rioters will appear in Jiangdong. But now that the imperial court is about to unify the country, the next step is to live in peace and stability. No one can buck the trend.
Including Liu Yao, Liu Biao, Liu Yan!
Naturally, that includes Sangoe Isorou!
Tao Qian naturally understood this, pondered for a moment, and asked tentatively: "Zibu, do you really want them to return to farming?"
Zhang Zhao nodded affirmatively: "Tao Shijun, do you think I'm joking? This is giving Zu Lang a chance. If he doesn't agree, then I can only send people to conquer. You should know the power of the imperial court."
"Don't talk about Fu Huo Lei. Once Sun Jian breaks through Jingzhou, he will definitely march eastward. Coupled with Xuzhou's navy Cheng Pu, with the combined efforts of both sides, it will not be a problem to conquer the east of the Yangtze River."
"If the imperial court is really determined to annihilate Shanyue and protect the country's peace, even the ten ancestors combined will not be able to withstand the imperial court's thunderous attack."
Tao Qian took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and finally nodded: "I understand everything you said. Don't worry, I will help you persuade Zu Lang to surrender, but you have to come up with something practical."
Zhang Zhaodan smiled, stood up and walked aside, taking out a stack of paper from his backpack: "Tao Shijun, take a look, this is a terrace system deliberately formulated by the imperial court in response to the characteristics of high mountains and dense forests in the south of the Yangtze River. It can completely replicate the ecological rice fields.
Fish farming.”
"Once it is officially launched, the imperial court will send some experts to various counties and counties to help the people solve technical problems of fish farming in rice fields. At the same time, they will also send people to build fertilizer plants to ensure the harvest of food."
Terraces?
Tao Qian frowned, and with doubts, he picked up the technical information and browsed it carefully.
After a moment, his eyes suddenly brightened and he kept nodding: "Okay! That's great! It's really great! This terraced ecological rice field fish is really suitable for mountain crossing."
"Zibu."
Tao Qian raised his eyes and looked at Zhang Zhao, his eyes sparkling: "I, Tao Qian, will help you with this."
Zhang Zhao nodded and smiled, raising the bartender in front of him: "Come, let's have a drink and have a good cooperation."
Tao Qian raised his wine and drank it all in one gulp: "It's a pleasure to cooperate."
*****
Nanyang, Wancheng.
Emperor's palace.
Hall of Wende.
Liu Bian held the letter in his hand and started browsing it, but he was communicating with the military advisor alliance in his heart: "This old guy Tao Qian actually wants to resign? Does he really want to resign, or is he hinting at something when he suddenly makes such a move?"
It's not that Liu Bian was overly concerned, but that the timing of Tao Qian's resignation was really wrong, and one has to imagine that it happened to be at the juncture of Liu Bian's abolition of Zhou Mu.
Of course!
Liu Bian abolished Zhou Mu, not to target Tao Qian, but to target Liu Yao, Liu Biao, and Liu Yan. Tao Qian was just accidentally injured and could not hurt his bones at all.
However, Tao Qian proposed to resign at this time. It felt like he was challenging the emperor, which always made Liu Bian feel a little unhappy. Even if you were late for half a year or three months?
But what’s the result?
Not only did you not delay your resignation, but you also urged yourself to agree to let him retire and return to his hometown as soon as possible. Even if it was really not interesting, it became a little interesting.
"Master Bian, don't think too much. In fact, it's time for Tao Qian to retire. Just let him retire peacefully and enjoy his old age. Anyway, Zhang Zhao has also gone to Pengcheng, obviously for Tao Qian."
The voice of the Military Advisor Alliance suddenly came to mind. It seemed that they were not interested in Tao Qian at all. Instead, they were very concerned about Zhang Zhao's whereabouts and his next countermeasures.
"Are you going for Tao Qian?"
Liu Bian didn't quite understand.
"That's right."
The Military Advisor Alliance was extremely sure: "Zhang Zhao is a workaholic. Although Pengcheng is his hometown, this time he went back not to visit relatives, but to seek help from Tao Qian."
"According to the information on Tao Qian held by the imperial court, he and the father of Danyang Shanyue Zulang were close friends for many years, and Zulang was the core leader of Shanyue. If the Shanyue problem cannot be solved, it will be difficult for his policies to be completed quickly."
Shanyue?
Liu Bian naturally knew about this bandit armed group.
Historically, Soochow relied on attacking Shanyue to gain population, military strength, etc. This was a very thorny problem.
Liu Bian frowned: "What the expert means is... Zhang Zhao went to Pengcheng mainly to ask Tao Qian to help him. He wanted to quickly solve the problem of Shanyue so that he could solve the problem in the shortest possible time.
, to promote rice field fish.”
"That's right."
The Alliance of Military Advisors was extremely sure: "So Master Bian, just agree to Tao Qian. If with his help, Zhang Zhao can successfully solve Shanyue and make them legal residents of the imperial court, then they will be granted the title of marquis and enjoy the food and land, and they will have the right to do so."
Just reward it.”
Huh?
This is indeed a solution.
Anyway, at the very beginning, the way experts wanted to completely solve Tao Qian's problem was to let him return to his hometown with honor, be granted a title, enjoy the food, and live out his old age in peace.
Now, I can completely stabilize Tao Qian's dangerous point in this way, making him a sea-fixing needle for Danyang Shanyue, completely helping the court, stabilizing Shanyue, and subduing Shanyue.
Wonderful!
This is a great plan!
Liu Bian was in a great mood and smiled: "Okay, then I will immediately ask Guo Jia to send a letter to Tao Qian Feige, agreeing to his resignation and surrender, and give him another pension."
The Military Advisor Alliance said softly: "Don't worry, just agree first. The remaining things will be dealt with after Tao Qian has finished the matter. There is no rush. If everything is settled in advance, what will you give me when you have made a contribution?"
?”
"That's true."
Liu Bian took a deep breath and wrote two words generously on the letterhead: Agree.
The Military Advisor Alliance said softly: "We also need to select a governor in advance, who will be mainly responsible for Xuzhou's affairs. Tao Qian just happens to have the position vacant, and we can promote another one."
Liu Bian asked tentatively: "Do the experts have any suggestions?"
The Military Advisor Alliance paused for a moment and then continued: "Judging from the current political achievements, Zhang Hong is naturally the best. He has high qualifications and strong abilities. He can completely control the situation. There is no need to worry about this, Mr. Bian."